Reports in Italy suggest Manchester United are about to offer around £48 million to Juventus for the services of Arturo Vidal and will double the player's current wages.

La Gazzettadello Sport (via Ben Curtis of The Mirror) reports Vidal's agent Fernando Felicevich will approach the Turin giants with the massive offer, with Juve having to match the wage deal in order to keep the Chile midfielder.

Football writer Samuel Jay C also confirmed the reports of the bid from Italy and suggested Juve are already looking at their alternatives:

Italian paper Tuttosport carries a similar story, as noted by101 Great Goals, that Juventus are in search of new recruits as a result of Vidal's possible departure, with both Inter Milan's FredyGuarin and United’s Chicharito as potential targets.

The report says there is a cutoff for any potential deal between Juve and United—Aug. 2—which is the date the Serie A champions fly out for their preseason tour of Asia.

But there is still considerable confusion as to whether Juventus want to sell and if United want to buy. Vidal spoke recently about the prospect of leaving his club for England, as per Aaron Flanagan of The Mirror.

He said: "I do not go to Manchester. Can I say I will remain with Juve? I don’t know. I’ll talk to (Massimo) Allegri on Monday and then we will see. I haven’t spoken with Allegri or any of my team-mates yet, but I’m not going to Manchester."

Vidal has become an international star during his time in Italy and has never registered any public discontent at being in Turin. But his recent language suggests something is happening behind the scenes, as a simple club statement would settle any confusion.

The 27-year-old was pivotal for Juve last season as they raced to the Italian title.

Vidal contributed 11 goals in 28 Serie starts, per WhoScored.com, forming a dynamic partnership with former United wonderkid Paul Pogba. But his performances in Europe were also electric, as he scored seven times in 12 appearances during the club's campaign.

Journalist Tom McDermott gave his opinion about the ongoing battle for Vidal's signature:

Re Vidal. Juventus aware of interest & open to selling for 2 months. You are now witnessing a few games. Saving face, springs to mind.

Of course, Vidal would be a sensational signing for United and would give the fanbase the boost they need after a heartbreaking 12 months. Louis van Gaal's 5-3-2 would be perfect for Vidal's bombastic midfield style, but United have not spent excessively in the past on a player of his value.

Van Gaal already has Ander Herrera, and the Spaniard's early showings in pre-season suggest Vidal may not be needed. United must invest in the defensive positions after the exits of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, and with Rafael now injured, they certainly need reinforcements.

But if United could capture Vidal, it would mirror the signing of another South American recruit from the past: Juan Sebastian Veron.

Like Vidal, Veron was considered the best in his position in world football but ultimately failed at Old Trafford.

Should Manchester United pay £48 million for Arturo Vidal?

YesNoSubmit Votevote to see results

Should Manchester United pay £48 million for Arturo Vidal?

Yes

76.8%

No

23.2%

Total votes: 7,891

The difference now is that United have been desperate for a box-to-box player of Vidal's class for many years. Last season, David Moyes could not find that individual and payed for it with his job.

It is unlikely that Van Gaal will make the same mistake, as he is sure to get Vidal if he truly wants him.